This is an interesting question. I would have to say that I would need to be sure my curent system badly outclassed my speakers before I would upgrade them first. I would first spend the money on the components and then on the speakers.
So on to the question: Of the brands I auditioned to replace the AX3's I had, I listened to many brands. Here is a brief list of what I consider to be some of the best I have ever heard (keep in mind that these also require excellent equipment in the systems):
- Castle - Totem - Reference 3a - Martin Logan - Proac - Von Schweikert - Vandersteen - Quad - JMLabs...to name a few.
When it comes down to it, the value of the purchase must be judged accordingly. Many of these mfg'ers make a wide range of speakers, some costing $10k ++.
My choice??? Reference 3a.
The opinions expressed above are solely those of myself...as if anyone else would want to claim them!!